Bradford City boss Parkinson confident Wells will play ball (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford City boss Phil Parkinson confident Nahki Wells will play ball

7:20am Wednesday 9th May 2012 in Sport By Simon Parker , Bradford City Reporter

Phil Parkinson reckons Nahki Wells WILL pledge his long-term future to Valley Parade.

The exciting striker has returned home to Bermuda to consider the four-year offer that City have made him.

Wells is already contracted for next season after the club took up an option in his current deal.

But City want to get him tied down properly – and Parkinson believes Wells, who is one of the lowest-paid players in the squad, will play ball.

He said: “Nahki’s got to speak to his dad and family back in Bermuda to decide whether it’s right for him.

“The club offering a long-term contract protects our interests but it’s also a level of wages that hopefully will leave Nahki thinking that he wants to sign it.

“Nahki’s with us next year whatever. Let’s be fair, he’s just finished his first season here and he has still got a lot to learn.

“If he wants to sign, he’ll sign, and I think he will.”

Wells bagged 12 goals, including a hat-trick against Northampton, and Parkinson believes his partnership up front with James Hanson is as strong as any at League Two level.

He brought the 22-year-old on gradually through the season – 16 of his 36 appearances came from the bench – and has seen an improvement with each performance.

The Bantams boss added: “Nahki’s still a rookie but I’ve always said that he’s tough mentally. That’s what I like about him.

“You can have a go at him and he takes it on the chin. He never sulks. For me, that’s the sign of a good player.”